Sydney Knott, president of Horses4Heros, said Operation Free Ride is focused on offering a family activity for people who have wanted to ride but thought it wouldn’t be affordable. Horses4Heros is a coalition of horse businesses and owners that focuses on making horses an affordable and accessible hobby for military, veterans, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and critical care and hospice nurses.

Participating facilities are encouraged to hold open houses on May 19, Armed Forces Day, for the program launch.

Knott said any riding facility with insurance and horses may join. “It’s all about getting new people out to our sport,” she said. “We have an opportunity to put aside our breeds and disciplines. Let’s just get these people out there riding horses.”

The Armed Forces Foundation supports members of the military through outreach programs. Knott said they have other outdoor sports programs, but this is the first horseback-riding program.

Almost 100 facilities have signed up so far for Operation Free Ride, and the numbers are still increasing.

“We’ve had an extremely enthusiastic response from the horse community,” Knott said.